MIPS technology: protection built into your ski helmet

What are the benefits of it? What level of protection does it offer sportspeople? Read on to find out more about this must-have technology.

What are the benefits of the MIPS system? 

The idea for the MIPS system came from Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst who was dismayed to see that the patients he operated on for head injuries were wearing helmets at the time of impact. In the late 1990s, he decided to join forces with Peter Halldin and Svein Kleiven, two researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The purpose of their collaboration? To improve helmet performance and reduce the severity of head injuries suffered when practicing sport. 

Their work started from a particular observation: traditional helmets, which had remained relatively unchanged for more than 20 years, were designed to protect the head from linear impact. In practice, however, it’s more common to fall sideways and hit the head at an angle. During a fall, the helmet and head are usually exposed to rotational motion. It’s precisely this kind movement that can cause serious brain damage, in addition to the direct impact itself. The reason for this is simple: our brains are very sensitive to rotational forces.

 

How does a MIPS helmet protect you in a fall? 

After years of study, researchers came up with a revolutionary system: the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). What changes were introduced to make new helmets different from traditional ones? A sliding layer was added which sits between the head and the helmet and allows a sliding movement of 10 to 15 millimeters on impact.

During a fall, the MIPS system allows the helmet shell to move independently around the head. In certain types of collision, this layer absorbs the energy of an oblique impact and dissipates rotational forces so that they’re not transferred to the brain. By limiting this rotational effect, the MIPS helmet therefore considerably reduces the damage caused to the skull during a collision. 

The MIPS company was officially founded in 2001 with the guiding principle of safety first. Since 2010, it has offered its protection system to manufacturers of cycling and winter sports helmets. 

Investing in a MIPS helmet: why is it important? 

Our heads are fragile, and a powerful collision is rarely without consequences. According to a study of more than 2 million people published in the scientific journal The Lancet Psychiatry, for individuals who suffer a head injury:

-       their risk of dementia increases by 24%;

-       their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases by 16%.

These risks also increase if a head injury is moderately severe, as in the case of concussion. The most likely cause of this damage to the brain is the rotational movement which occurs on impact, transmitting harmful forces to it.

MIPS technology offers real protection against head injuries, both when practicing sports (mountain biking, skiing, etc.) and in urban situations (city cycling). In real-life conditions, it offers a high level of safety without compromising on the comfort, ventilation and aerodynamics of the helmet. Its impact in terms of weight is negligible, adding between only 25 to 45 grams.

MIPS, technology built into our HYPERION helmets 

Don’t neglect your safety! To protect backcountry freeride and freestyle enthusiasts, Julbo works hard to develop innovative and ever safer protective solutions. This is why our  HYPERION helmets incorporate MIPS technology as well as a hybrid In-mold + ABS construction.

Reliable and lightweight design guarantees maximum protection against impact and helps reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a fall. Soft, 3D and detachable ear pads, a precise adjustment system and a ventilated visor to prevent fogging – our helmets offer you multiple features for optimal comfort, wherever the action is. An essential solution for riders who can’t wait to get out and explore their playground!